Several sources told The Chronicle on Sunday night that a Tuesday press conference appears likely after the Hideki Matsui signing is finalized. That doesn’t rule out an announcement on Monday, but the team might choose to wait until everyone is assembled, especially considering the entourage that comes with Matsui – translator, public relations person, dozens of Japanese reporters. Matsui’s popularity in the Asian community could make this one of the A’s bigger press conferences in recent years.

As I’ve mentioned numerous times, Matsui told me in September that he wouldn’t be deterred by the Coliseum – he has liked hitting there over the years. He also likes San Francisco a lot, and I’ve heard the idea of living there appeals to him.

One Yankees official I talked to last week raved about Matsui’s ability in the clutch – and that is very much what the A’s need, and have needed for some time.

Why are the A’s making this move? Don’t they realize that Nick Johnson is available?

Yes, I’m kidding.

I’ve always been, and will probably remain, a huge fan of Godzilla. And, I wish him well with the A’s. It’s nice to see good things happen to those who deserve it.

Comments on Godzilla To The A’s

Although I’m happy that Matsui has landed another job, it still makes me sad to see him hanging on and now bouncing around like a journeyman on his third ballclub in three seasons (and this time with a real stinker of a team that has no real chance of winning (in my opinion)).

I’m surprised Matsui has decided to keep on keeping on. I thought I recalled him saying he’d never play for an American team other than the Yankees. I guess he just loves playing the game. Can’t blame him for that.

Like the others here, I’m a big fan of his. He’s a real gentleman. Like Jeter, Andy and Mo, a real classey man. I wish him the best.